BOARD OF SCHOOL TRUSTEES
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA)
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
HELD ON MONDAY, APRIL 16, 2007, AT 7:30 P.M.
SCHOOL BOARD OFFICE
MINUTES
IN ATTENDANCE
L. Little, Chair
G. Manning, Vice Chair
K. Andrews, Trustee
W. Huebert, Trustee
L. Van Alphen, Trustee
G. Doi, Superintendent of Schools
F. Regehr, Secretary-Treasurer
D. Burgoyne, Director of Instruction
L. Hauptman, Director of Instruction
G. Schafer, Director of Instruction
J. Hickling, Director of Maintenance
D. Adey, Executive Secretary
1.0
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Little welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2.0
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION:
Andrews/Van Alphen that the agenda and addendum be approved.
CARRIED
3.0
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
3.1
Penticton Secondary and Summerland Secondary Schools
Students from Penticton Secondary and Summerland Secondary Schools, accompanied
by Vice Principal Sandra Richardson and teachers Tom Brickenden and Cathy
Brickenden, participated in the recent Vimy Ridge 90th Anniversary Celebrations in
France. Only two students, Mark Theilmann and Lindsey Richardson, were available at
the board meeting to present highlights of their participation in the ceremonies. They
presented a slide show and spoke to the Board about their experience. It was noted that
Mark Theilman was one of five students chosen from all students participating to read the
tribute he had written to one of the veterans as part of the ceremonies.
Following a number of questions, appreciation was extended to the group for their
presentation.
4.0
RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
“Working Together for Student Success”
www.sd67.bc.ca
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 2
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – April 16, 2007
5.0
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
MOTION:
Huebert/Manning that the minutes of the regular meeting held on March 12, 2007
be approved.
CARRIED
6.0
REPORT FROM CLOSED MEETINGS
The secretary-treasurer reported on the closed meetings held on March 12 and 13, 2007:
Regular Meeting held on March 12, 2007:
1.
Received correspondence;
2.
Received reports from the buildings, grounds, safety, and transportation committee and
discipline committee;
3.
Confirmed teaching, excluded, and CUPE staff changes;
4.
Approved arrangements with the City of Penticton related to upgrade of and access to
school district fields;
5.
Approved requests for teacher leaves of absence;
6.
Received information on student suspensions;
7.
Received information related to StrongStart centres;
8.
Received information regarding a meeting of the Okanagan Labour Relations Council;
9.
Received information related to the CUPE Collective Agreement. (Declaring a possible
conflict of interest, Trustee Little left the meeting for discussion of this topic.)
Special Closed Meeting held on March 13, 2007:
1.
Considered a request from the City of Penticton regarding the Penticton Secondary
School site development.
7.0
CORRESPONDENCE
7.1
Letter from Citizen
A letter from a citizen, Norman Yates, supporting the preservation of the Penticton
Secondary gymnasium.
7.2
Letter from Save the North Gym Committee
A letter from the Save the North Gym committee proposing that the north gym and
auditorium at Penticton Secondary School be saved.
7.3
Letter from Citizen
A letter from a citizen, Jim Rheaume, requesting that the Pen High gym be saved.
7.4
Letter from Citizen
A letter from a citizen, Michael Yates, recommending the city and school board together
review their plans to demolish the Pen High gym and follow recommendations of the
Save the North Gym Committee to maintain the gym and auditorium complex for all the
community.
7.5
Letter from CUPE BC Division
A letter forwarded by CUPE BC Division regarding the recently negotiated Trade
Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement with Alberta and its potential impact on public
schools. The article prepared by their staff is available in the trustee reading file.
7.6
Letter from School District No. 34 (Abbotsford)
A letter from School District No. 34 (Abbotsford) to the Board advising their board
discussed the issue of parental rights and affirmed its support of the United Nations
Declaration of the Rights of the Child.
“Working Together for Student Success”
www.sd67.bc.ca
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 3
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – April 16, 2007
7.7
Letter from Queen’s Park Parent Advisory Committee
A letter from the Queen’s Park Parent Advisory Committee requesting that the Board
consider a sponsorship proposal that will allow the PAC to raise the necessary funds to
replace the school’s obsolete playground equipment.
7.8
Summary of Copies of Letters to the Board
Copies of the letters to the Board listed below are available in the trustee reading file:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
7.9
Penticton Badminton Club to the City of Penticton Mayor and Council advising
the club would be available to enter into negotiations with municipal staff to
formulate a policy of use for the north gymnasium and auditorium;
School District No. 72 (Campbell River) forwarded to the Minister of Education
regarding the expansion of the summer learning program;
School District No. 68 (Nanaimo-Ladysmith) to the Minister of Education
requesting that reconsideration be given to the recent announcement that boards
must ask school planning councils permission to impose school fees at each
school in the district;
School District No. 68 (Nanaimo-Ladysmith) to the Catholic Civil Rights League
confirming the district will continue to honour obligations under the Human Rights
Code to accommodate the concerns of students based on their religious beliefs;
School District No. 68 (Nanaimo-Ladysmith) to the Minister of Education
requesting an explanation as to why $22.5 million of the provincial holdback was
not distributed to the school districts this past December;
School District No. 42 (Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows) to the Minister of Education
regarding the holdback of $22 million in the 2006-07 final funding allocation;
School District No. 42 (Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows) to the Minister of Children
and Family Development regarding the recently announced changes by their
ministry to child care operating funds;
School District No. 42 (Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows) to the Minister of Education
applauding the Ministry on providing information pertaining to the prevention of
substance abuse while pregnant and requesting that the Ministry work with the
Ministry of Health and the Solicitor General’s office to develop a provincial
prevention strategy aimed at youth with respect to the gateway drugs, tobacco,
alcohol and cannabis;
School District No. 57 (Prince George) to the Minister of Education regarding the
power of achievement superintendents to recommend changes to the Minister
that overturn decisions of locally elected officials;
School District No. 44 (North Vancouver) to the Minister of Education regarding
the formula used to determine the allocations of funds to support early learning
initiatives;
School District No. 71 (Comox Valley) to the Minister of Education commending
the Ministry for supporting early learning and school community connections and
proposing that the Ministry consider that capacity currently being used in schools
for programs such as Strong Start, Day Cares and other community use groups
be exempt from the utilization capacity calculation;
School District No. 20 (Kootenay-Columbia) to the Minister of Education
regarding the disposition of the $22.5 million of the provincial holdback that was
not distributed to school districts this past December.
City of Penticton
A letter from the City of Penticton enclosing a copy of the proposed additions and
revisions to the Official Community Plan Bylaw 2002-20 and requesting comments by
May 14, 2007.
MOTION:
Andrews/Van Alphen that the correspondence be received and that items
7.7 and 7.9 be referred to the buildings, grounds, safety and transportation
committee for review and recommendations.
CARRIED
“Working Together for Student Success”
www.sd67.bc.ca
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
8.0
Page 4
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – April 16, 2007
REPORT OF COMMITTEES
8.1
Education Committee
Trustee Van Alphen reported that the education committee visited Trout Creek
Elementary on April 10, 2007, noting that trustees were warmly greeted by grade 5
ambassadors, escorted to classrooms, responded to questions from students, and
enjoyed lunch with the staff. The school motto of “We learn, we care, and we cooperate”
was displayed during the visit.
April 12, 2007:
a.
Middle School Ad Hoc Committee Report
The recommendations of the Middle School Ad Hoc Committee for increased
teacher preparation time, school-based “at-risk” programs staffed by teachers, and
collaborative teacher planning time were presented by Committee Chair Don
MacIntyre (Principal, McNicoll Park Middle School) and the OSTU President Terry
Green. The positive working relationship amongst all groups at the table was
noted and support was voiced, by both the presenters and Superintendent Gary
Doi, for continuing the committee’s work in the upcoming school year.
b.
Dogwood District/Authority Awards
Changes to the District Scholarship Program were reviewed by Assistant
Superintendent Brian Celli. Key points amongst these were an increase from six to
34 local awards and a change in eligibility guidelines to allow provincial scholarship
winners to apply. Recommended changes to the district selection process will be
brought forward to the May 2nd meeting for trustee consideration.
c.
New Government Legislation
Superintendent Doi reviewed new government legislation impacting education:
•
•
•
•
MOTION:
8.2
BILL 10 Tobacco Sales (banning tobacco and smoking in public places and
schools) Amendment Act, 2007 (Third Reading, March 27, 2007)
BILL 20 School (Student Achievement Enabling) Amendment Act, (First
Reading, March 26, 2007)
BILL 21 Teaching Profession (Teacher Registration) Amendment Act, 2007
(First Reading, March 2007); reviewed by Director of Human Resources
Dave Burgoyne
BILL 22 Education Statutes Amendment Act, 2007 (First Reading, March 29,
2007)
Van Alphen/Andrews that the report of the education committee be
received.
CARRIED
Finance and Management Committee
Trustee Manning reported on the finance and management committee meetings held on
March 28 and April 11 and the public budget meeting held on April 2, 2007:
March 28, 2007:
a.
2007-08 Budget Development
Secretary-Treasurer Regehr reviewed the provincial funding and budget estimated
for 2007-08. Estimates are based on an enrolment decline of 150 students for an
estimated total of 6,802 for 2007-08. The current budget estimate for 2007-08 is a
balanced budget. This estimate includes provision for:
•
•
maintaining current service levels for students;
providing for employee salary and benefit cost increases;
“Working Together for Student Success”
www.sd67.bc.ca
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
•
Page 5
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – April 16, 2007
budget provision to continue the 2006-07 funding for class size and
composition support.
The committee noted the provincial funding allocation includes a reserve for the fall
recalculation of $45.3 million. The committee expressed the hope that SD67 will
receive its proportionate share of these funds.
Public Budget Meeting April 2, 2007:
a.
2007-08 Budget
Secretary-Treasurer Regehr and Superintendent Doi presented information
regarding the school district’s finances, achievement goals, and increased
responsibilities related to changes resulting when the board becomes a Board of
Education. Terry Green, President, OSTU distributed and spoke to a paper titled
“Kids Matter, Teachers Care” and presented eight recommendations for
consideration during the development of the 2007-08 budget.
CUPE
representatives Zoë Magnus, Shirley Pretty, and Rob Forbes presented eight
requests during the CUPE presentation.
April 11, 2007:
a.
2007-08 Budget Update
Secretary-Treasurer Regehr reviewed the current budget estimates and budget
requests for next year. The committee was also advised the February special
education enrolment and distributed learning enrolment increases resulted in a
2006-07 funding increase of $68,474.
b.
Photocopier Contract Renewal
Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Shongrunden reviewed the recent tendering of 12
photocopiers. The contract was awarded for Xerox copiers for a four-year period.
c.
Drinking Water at Schools
Director of Maintenance Hickling advised that Naramata Elementary School is now
connected to the new community water system which will eliminate the requirement
for bottled water. For Summerland schools, a boiled water advisory was recently
announced which will result in the use of bottled water.
MOTION:
8.3
Manning/Van Alphen that the report of the finance and management
committee be received.
CARRIED
Curriculum Development Advisory Committee
Trustee Andrews reported regarding the curriculum development advisory committee
meeting held on April 11, 2007:
a.
Selection of Chairperson
It was noted that Assistant Superintendent Celli was elected as chairperson of the
committee.
b.
Board Authorized/Approved Course Proposals
A course proposal for Stage Craft 9/10 was submitted and reviewed by the
committee. The committee has referred the course back to the teacher for further
clarification. This course will be brought forward for reconsideration at a future
meeting.
MOTION:
Andrews/Huebert that the report of the curriculum development advisory
committee meeting be received.
CARRIED
“Working Together for Student Success”
www.sd67.bc.ca
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
9.0
10.0
Page 6
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – April 16, 2007
REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER
9.1
Penticton Secondary School Reconstruction Committee
Director of Maintenance Hickling reported that the traffic report commissioned from Opus
Hamilton has been received and will be incorporated into the design of the new school.
The tilt-up walls for gym concrete has been placed and will be lifted in three weeks, the
administration exterior walls are in place, the floor for the library will start soon, and the
glue laminated beams for the multipurpose roof are being constructed. We are still on
schedule for completion in early June 2008.
9.2
Financial Report
In reviewing the financial report to March 31, 2007 provided in the agenda package, the
secretary-treasurer noted that 33% of the funding is available for the balance of the fiscal
year. Mr. Regehr added that the district is headed towards a balanced budget.
9.3
2007-08 Budget Development
The secretary-treasurer reported that work is continuing on the development of the 200708 budget and that $210,000 will be available for service level additions for next year. A
number of meetings are scheduled prior to the proposed adoption on May 7.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
10.1
Student Achievement
a.
District Goals
Directors of Instruction Hauptman and Schafer highlighted activities, workshops,
and meetings related to furthering the district’s goals of literacy, numeracy, and
social responsibility.
b.
Early Learning
Director of Instruction Hauptman reported that she is currently gathering the names
of partner and community group representatives who will form the early learning
committee. Some of the committee members have visited or will be visiting early
learning centers to gather suggestions being used in other districts. Additionally,
she attended a provincial conference related to the topic and will be meeting with
other community resource groups who provide early learning initiatives.
c.
Later Learning
Superintendent Doi advised the Board is obliged to develop a district plan related
to adult literacy. A separate committee will be formed next month which will
formulate a literacy plan to be adopted by the Board by July 15, 2007.
d.
Regional Literacy Forum
Mr. Doi noted the district will be hosting a regional literacy forum on Thursday, May
24, for nine districts in the Okanagan Mainline area to talk about their work related
to literacy. Three or four representatives from our district will attend the forum.
e.
Celebrating Student Achievement
The superintendent reviewed plans for the “Celebrating Student Achievement”
presentation to be held on Wednesday, May 30, at 4:00 p.m., at the Penticton
Lakeside Resort. Invitations will be sent to school staff, trustees, parent advisory
councils, and the media to attend the celebration which will showcase student
achievements in the district.
f.
School Progress Report
School progress reports will be reviewed and approved at the education committee
meeting to be held on June 5.
“Working Together for Student Success”
www.sd67.bc.ca
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
10.2
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – April 16, 2007
Communication and Access
a.
b.
10.3
Page 7
Field Trips
The superintendent of schools reviewed a listing of field trip requests circulated
with the agenda package, four of which had been approved by the superintendent
pursuant to district policy.
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Huebert that the field trip request for May 27 to 30, 2007,
for 40 grade 11 and 12 students from Princess Margaret Secondary
School to participate in a spring music trip to Banff, Alberta, be
approved.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Huebert/Manning that the field trip request for May 9 to 12, 2007, for
58 band students from KVR Middle School to participate in a band
trip tour to Edmonton, Alberta, be approved.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Andrews that the field trip request for March 8 to 10,
2007, for 12 students from Skaha Lake Middle School to compete in
the grade 8 girls’ provincial basketball tournament in Pitt Meadows,
BC, be approved and that funding be provided as per board policy.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Manning/Huebert that the field trip request for May 9 to 12, 2007, for
45 grade 8 band students from Skaha Lake Middle School to
participate in a spring tour and school concerts to Edmonton,
Alberta, be approved.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Andrews that the field trip request for April 20 to 22,
2007, for eight students from Penticton Secondary School to
compete in the provincial mock debating trial competitions in Victoria,
BC, be approved and that funding be provided as per board policy.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Andrews/Manning that the field trip request for June 26 to 30, 2007,
for ten grade 9 to 11 students from Summerland Secondary School
to participate in a team basketball camp at Eastern Washington
University in Cheney, Washington, be approved.
CARRIED
Summer School 2007
Director of Instruction Burgoyne outlined changes that are planned for the 2007
Summer School Program. In order to alleviate the growing challenge of teacher
recruitment, the number of weeks in session will be reduced from three to two but
the amount of instruction time will remain the same as last year. The elementary
program will operate from July 3 to 13 and the secondary program from July 9 to
20 to allow students needing remedial courses sufficient time to register for the
courses.
Other Items
a.
Enrolment
The superintendent of schools reported on enrolment noting that as of March 31,
2007, there were 7,087 students in the district or 6,788.881 FTE.
“Working Together for Student Success”
www.sd67.bc.ca
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
b.
Page 8
Class Size and Composition Report
The superintendent reviewed details on school class size and composition
consultation meetings held between March 10 and April 13, 2007. It was noted
that all principals have submitted a report to the superintendent confirming these
classes are appropriate for student learning. School planning councils and DPAC
have been informed regarding the class sizes and composition.
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Manning that the report on school class sizes/
composition consultation meetings be received and accepted.
CARRIED
11.0
REPORT OF REPRESENTATIVES
12.0
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
13.0
INFORMATION ITEMS
14.0
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – April 16, 2007
13.1
BCSTA Annual General Meeting
The annual general meeting of British Columbia School Trustees Association will be held
April 19 to 22, 2007 in Victoria.
13.2
Date of Next Meeting
• May 7, 2007, 7:00 p.m., special board meeting, school board office
• May 14, 2007, 7:30 p.m., regular meeting, school board office
TRUSTEE COMMENTS
14.1
Recognition of Student Success
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) extended congratulations to the students and
groups for outstanding examples of success as shown on the recognition sheet included
with the agenda package. Students and staff were commended for their efforts in student
success.
14.2
Recognition of Student Artwork
Students from Princess Margaret Secondary School were congratulated for their artwork
currently on display at the school board office:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
14.3
Shelby Burgart, Grade 11
Rayna Desjarlais, Grade 11
Karissa Feux, Grade 12
Emily Ludington, Grade 11
Megan McNee, Grade 12
Amber Rodan, Grade 11
Megan Shiosaki, Grade 11
Kelly Styles, Grade 11
Colourful abstract ball and designs
Downtown city/ninja on top of building
Fuscia and purple/girls posing
Reflections of a girl in different forms
Red, purple and blue city scape/family
Purple and aqua whimsy drawing with flower
Dolphin and girl/ocean floor
Rainbow pool and cloud
Trustee Comments
Trustees provided general comments related to district and school activities including the
SAFE graduation at West Bench Elementary and the recent grade 6 health fair at the
Penticton Trade and Convention Centre. The school district was acknowledged with a
plaque for its support to the Central Okanagan Regional Science Fair and appreciation
was extended to Mr. Michael Doyle for his efforts in working with teachers to get veterans
from the community into classrooms.
“Working Together for Student Success”
www.sd67.bc.ca
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
15.0
Page 9
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – April 16, 2007
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
Manning/Van Alphen that the meeting be adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
CARRIED
16.0
QUESTION PERIOD
____________________
Chairperson
____________________
Secretary-Treasurer
April 19, 2007
Ref: U:\SBO-ST-Data\DA\2006-2007\00100 - 01999 Administration\00300-05 Minutes Open\070416 OP.doc
“Working Together for Student Success”
www.sd67.bc.ca